MID-19TH CENTURY, BLUE CROSSED SWORDS MARK

Details

A MEISSEN LARGE SCHNEEBALLEN VASE AND DOMED COVER
MID-19TH CENTURY, BLUE CROSSED SWORDS MARK
The baluster body applied with trailing green branches and leaves issuing ball-shaped blossoms, supporting a large golden oriole to one side and a brown finch to the other side, the domed cover similarly applied with a green branch finial issuing leaves and ball-shaped blossoms supporting two yellow and brown finches, the pierced cagework lower body enclosing a canary perched on a green branch, on a domed and spreading foot, encrusted overall with tightly-packed may blossom flowers, some restoraton to birds and branches, retouching to enamels, minute chipping to applied flowers and leaves
33 in. (83.7 cm.) high

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Caitlin Yates

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Lot Essay

The fashion for tightly packed flowerhead decoration is first recorded by J.J. Kaendler at Meissen in June 1740. A bowl, cover and stand with schneeballen or snowball decoration was given to the dauphin, son of Louis XV in 1742, see Maureen Cassidy-Geiger Ed., Fragile Diplomacy, New York, 2007, p. 158, fig. 7 - 25. This decorative concept was revived in the mid-19th century. This particular vase is exceptional both in size and technical virtuosity; the caged lower part enclosing a canary perched on a branch being particularly challenging for the potter.

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